Sports marketing that scores

Sports marketing that scores

From JoeSportsFan.com on Vimeo.The video was created by "We Are Cardinals Nation" in response to newbie shortstop Ryan Theirot's comments on a Chicago radio station. Theirot took some cheapshots at St. Louis' own fan base, an ugly move considering he had seven errors in the first month of the season.

I loved it. The message reminded me of those in Boston's "Bruins Hockey Rules" campaign.

You know why the Boston photo and first video work. Taunting the opposition creates solidarity among the fan base. Hipsters and Meatheads alike can share a laugh at the Flyers or hatred for Montreal because, despite the different tightness-es of their jeans, they love Boston and hate Phillinadiens -- together.

But what about the second B's video? Why is it cool for The Bear to roast a Bruins fan?

Just because.

Hub hockey lovers realize the flaws of their brethren. They know that some are obnoxious, disrespectful, stupid (boyfriend of Montreal fan), and disgusting (jersey guy). But the only people who can approach Bruins fan faults with honesty are Bruins fans.

The Bear fish-slaps somebody across the face for tucking in his jersey? Hilarious. A Habs fan taunts that guy for tucking in his jersey? Act of war.

It doesn't look like Ryan Theirot has earned his right to point and laugh at Cards fans. He should have just followed the Rules.

The former Red Sox manager (fired after a 69-93 season and last-place finish in 2012), and ex-New York Mets and Texas Rangers, skipper, also managed in Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan’s Pacific League for six seasons.

Valentine, 66, has known the President-elect and Trump's brother Bob since the 1980s, is close to others on Trump’s transition team and has had preliminary discussions about the ambassador position, according to WEEI.com’s Rob Bradford.

Valentine, currently the athletic director of Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn., is also friendly with current Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who, like Valentine, attended the University of Southern California.

He didn’t land in New England, but he didn’t too badly, winding up with the usually competitive Ravens.

On a Thursday conference call with New England media, Weddle confirmed that there was mutual interest expressed.

“Obviously, I was interested,” he acknowledged. “I have nothing but high regard, respect and admiration – and envy, quite honestly – of the success of the New England Patriots over the years. Obviously, battling them in my career, it’s always been a great game. I love the way they play, love the foundation, love everything about it. It was definitely on my radar. There were talks both ways, it just didn’t end up [working out].”

The numbers massed at the position with Patrick Chung, Devin McCourty and Duron Harmon played a role in the two sides not being able to reach accord, according to Weddle.

“I’m good buddies with Patrick Chung,” he said. “I grew up playing with him and Devin [McCourty] is one of the best to play, so I don’t know if it would have worked out personnel-wise. But obviously, I could have seen myself fitting in there seamlessly.”

Weddle’s New England attraction apparently wasn’t love that bloomed late in his career. Toward the end of his conference call, Weddle said, “I’m still wondering why they just didn’t draft me in ’07; I could have been still playing there now.”

As reporters puzzled for a moment trying to recall the 2007 first-rounder, Weddle chipped in with the answer: “[They took] Brandon Meriweather.”